Heather Aldersey is a Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen’s University and a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Disability Inclusive Development.
Globally, persons with disabilities and their families do not receive adequate support to fully participate in their communities. This can lead to poorer health conditions, isolation, and overwhelming social and financial burden. In Canada, the importance of natural supports (e.g., support from peers, family members, and community members) is often undervalued and investments in both natural supports and formal supports (e.g., government assistance or paid support providers) are inadequate. There is a need to learn from global innovation and understand how different models of supports might inform support provision and social policy.
Aldersey’s research will focus on understanding the social construction of disability, and experiences of disability, inclusion, and full participation across cultures. Her project will examine six strategically selected international case examples of strengths and success in enabling disability-related support from both natural and formal sources.
Aldersey’s work is deeply rooted in community engagement. Her important and high-caliber research is changing the landscape of integrated supports, and, in partnership with persons with disabilities, family members, and support organizations, her work will aim to promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities globally.
